TCPD approved Little Dix Bay renovation project since 2013
According to Chief Executive Officer of the Planning Authority and Chief Planner Gregory W. Adams, Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort in Virgin Gorda had received approval for their renovations since as far back as 2013.
However, he said too that the approval granted for the renovations is conditional, and certain conditions must be met during the construction period, which will commence sometime after May 1, 2016.
The popular resort days ago announced that it will be closing for a period of 18 months for renovations and as a result some 300 persons will be sent home, bringing a distasteful reminder of the sudden closure of Biras Creek Resort days after the June 8, 2015 general elections and saw more than 70 workers placed in the unemployment line.
There have been criticisms from the public about the decision to close Little Dix Bay Resort for over a year and sever employees rather than conduct the renovations in phases since the loss of some 300 jobs could shake up the Virgin Gorda economy especially.
There are reports too that the resort is seeking to "weed out" some of the old staff members "bent in their ways", however, this information could not be confirmed and efforts to get a comment from the resort proved futile.
Added to that, Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, in a statement issued to the media on January 15, 2016, said the decision to close Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel and Resort for a year and a half from May 1, 2016 for renovation was done without consultation with Government.
Again, efforts to get a response as to why the resort didn't see it necessary to consult with Government prior to making its decision for complete closure were not successful.
Premier Smith had also said he will hold the hotel accountable for its promised deadline for re-opening and providing job opportunities during the renovation stages.
Conditional approval
Having seen documents from the Town and Country Planning Department, which indicated that the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort renovations had received conditional approval, we sought clarification from Adams who explained how the process works.
“The conditions are only met if and when the project is being constructed so we would have to monitor the construction to make sure that they are complying with whatever conditions we outlined. We have not been notified that construction has started,” said Adams.
Adams explained that there are some conditions that applicants have to meet in some cases prior to construction but in this case, he said, it is a renovation project and as such there would not be any conditions to be met prior to the commencement of construction but after such commencement.
Adams said that some of the conditions usually have to do with prevention of soil erosion and promoting proper construction practices. “Those are what we call standard conditions. If the development requires additional conditions than what is being proposed, we add those conditions on to it and we grant that approval so the conditions are only met if and when the construction starts,” said Adams.
Scope of work/Building Authority approval still needed
The scope of the project entails the construction of a swimming pool, balcony extension and renovation of five existing guests units.
According to the documents, the conditions that must be met prior to final approval are: The Planning Authority Permission to develop must be displayed at the entrance of the site at all times during construction;
The development [being] hereby approved, must be constructed wholly in accordance with the plans submitted and no variation must be made without the prior approval in writing from the Planning Authority;
The letter of approval must be attached to drawings, which must remain on the construction site at all times;
Care must be taken to minimise water and wind erosion of the topsoil. Erosion and sediment control measures (to include silt fences) must be implemented throughout the site during construction;
The areas identified for car parking on the approved plans must be reserved for this use in perpetuity and no form of development will be allowed which would interfere with the use of spaces allocated for parking (unless approved alternate arrangements are made);
The documents stated, “Approval is only valid when the above conditions are met.” It said too that the approval lapses if the development is not completed within three years of the date of approval being granted.
The documents state also the applicant still needs Building Authority approval.
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32 Responses to “TCPD approved Little Dix Bay renovation project since 2013”
Wow!!!!!!!!! well ayo look sh*t here for me dismorning.So why only now ayo decide to drop it on the people them?smfh
This MUST be part of the equation to maintain BVI identity in the long run. That and the review boards notifying Gov and the people.
and dr smith said he did not know he li*d
Mr Adams while you are doing your job and telling the truth, this does not make NDP look good. WATCH YOUR BACK THEY WILL BE TRYING TO FIND A VERY SMART WAY TO REMOVE YOU FROM YOUR POSITION.
this is not the fist time he has l***
So i apply to renovate my hotel got approval, dont i start my work on my schedule.
I only needs to advised T&CP when im begining. Do I need to asked Government if I
can go ahead?
Some sick loosers.
One day all kinda noise that NDP is a dictatorship. Well then why isn't he up in the business of private industries telling them how and when to renovate ? Dr Smith specifically stated that the hotel did not C O N S U L T with him about 18 month closure so where is the lie? Not that they have or must or are contracted with the Gov to consult about a temp closure.
Andrew declares he has all kinda info from inside sources. How is it that he and Fraser both indigenous sons did not tell what they supposedly know?
NDP busy with Gov business , busier with implementations and completion than any VI Gov. They definitely not slackers or are idle, They busy with Gov business.
I tell Ayaa dr smith jusike christopher colombus
A damn b asted l**r
they might look to do greg like what they are doing the person in trade who is more qualified than the lady ndp put in to be in charge straight off a tv show marlon needs to get rid of her!!!!!!!! holding up progress and very b**s